Wheel alignment technology is helping a Volvo dealer provide a faster and more accurate service, saving both time and money. CVW looks at how Liverpool-based Thomas Hardie Commercials has halved customer downtime using the new system.
Thomas Hardie Commercials, headquartered in Knowsley, Liverpool, is the main distributor for Volvo Truck, Bus & Coach in the north west of England, north Wales and Lancashire. The multi award-winning company has six franchised Volvo truck and bus dealerships, supported by three smaller sites. These facilities are complemented by a wholly-owned division in Chorley, Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions (THVS), that provides vehicle painting, fitting of hydraulic kits and/or other specialised aftermarket equipment, and an ‘all makes’ refurbishment service for trucks and trailers.
Return on investment
The group has recently invested in the only Volvo Truck & Bus-approved wheel aligner on the UK market – the Josam Cam-aligner from Automotive Equipment Solutions (AES UK). Hardie’s equipped one of its service vans with the kit, giving it the flexibility to provide faster and more accurate wheel alignment services, either at its own workshops or at customers’ premises.
Chris Whalley, group truck and bus manager, said: “We have already seen a return on investment as we have been able to take wheel alignment completely in-house. We carry out tracking checks on new vehicles as part of our PDI. In addition, for wheel alignment we can now go to the customer rather than have them bring their vehicles to us. This saves on fuel and tyres and reduces vehicle downtime for our clients.”
Easy and quick to use, the Josam Cam-aligner uses wireless technology to transmit data between measuring units and the computer, while the software guides the user through the measuring process and produces reports of before and after alignment. Using centerline technology, the system helps align all axles to the vehicle chassis, ensuring each alignment is correctly carried out first time.
The system works seamlessly with Thomas Hardie’s other diagnostic tools, especially for adjusting electronic steered axles – a simple process whereby the technician calibrates the steering system while monitoring the wheel angles in real time on a laptop.
“Thanks to this, customer vehicle downtime has now halved,” added Chris. “The accuracy of the tracking is also saving our customers money, and they absolutely love that. Our data shows that identifying and replacing worn steering components can add up to 10% extra mpg to a vehicle, which is a huge difference.”
Swift resolution
AES UK delivered in-depth training for Thomas Hardie’s 11 master technicians as well as Chris, ensuring the entire team were fully confident and comfortable with the technology.
“The support we received has been second to none,” added Chris. “While we were getting to grips with the technology, any time we encountered an issue we called and it was either fixed over the phone or someone came in-person extremely quickly. The rapid response and service helps to ensure we keep customer vehicle downtime to a minimum.”
